---
title: Columbia University in the City of New York — PickACampus
description: Explore Columbia University: 4% acceptance rate, $88,535 median starting salary, and #15 ranking on PickACampus. View tuition, SAT scores, and debt data.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/12
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University is a private research university located in New York, NY, with an urban campus that maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio and a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,973. The institution features a highly selective 4% acceptance rate, with incoming students averaging 1553 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT. Ranking #15 on PickACampus, the university reports a 96% graduation rate and a median starting salary of $88,535 for graduates.

## Overview
- Location: New York, NY
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 8,973

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Average SAT: 1,553
- Average ACT: 35
- Average GPA: 4.12

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $71,845
- Out-of-state tuition: $71,845
- Room and board: $17,580
- Fees: $47
- Average financial aid: $55,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $21,500

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 96%
- 4-year graduation rate: 81%
- Freshman retention: 98%
- Employment rate: 93%
- Average starting salary: $88,535

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 6:1
- Average class size: 14
- Classes under 20 students: 70%

## Notable
["Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher education in New York State.","The university has produced the most Nobel laureates of any university in the United States.","Columbia's campus is home to the world's first academic department of political science.","The Pulitzer Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in journalism and the arts, is administered by Columbia University."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Bacchanal","description":"An annual spring concert and celebration featuring major musical artists."},{"name":"Orgo Night","description":"Students from the Columbia Marching Band crash the Organic Chemistry final to perform a comedic show."},{"name":"Varsity Show","description":"The nation's oldest college musical comedy, written and performed by students."},{"name":"Tree Lighting Ceremony","description":"A festive event on College Walk marking the beginning of the holiday season."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Barack Obama","description":"Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate"},{"name":"Ruth Bader Ginsburg","description":"Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court"},{"name":"Jack Kerouac","description":"Influential Beat Generation novelist and poet"},{"name":"Alicia Keys","description":"Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist"},{"name":"Jake Gyllenhaal","description":"Academy Award-nominated actor"},{"name":"Art Garfunkel","description":"Half of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel"}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Columbia University in the City of New York's acceptance rate?
A: Columbia University in the City of New York's acceptance rate is 4%.

Q: How much does Columbia University in the City of New York cost?
A: Tuition at Columbia University in the City of New York is $71,845 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Columbia University in the City of New York located?
A: Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Columbia University in the City of New York?
A: The average SAT score at Columbia University in the City of New York is 1,553.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Columbia University in the City of New York?
A: Columbia University in the City of New York has a 6-year graduation rate of 96%.

Compare Columbia University in the City of New York with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/12